Looking forward to spending the day with you on Saturday, April 10 to scrap like we mean it! It's great to plan a day away, isn't it? One day where you can just have a little fun with friends--maybe even make a new friend.
And ... we're sold out! This means we're going to have a full house loaded with goodness. In fact, Chad mentioned the other day that he, too, was looking forward to the crop.
"Really? I asked, not making the connection between men and paper crafting.
"Yeah, it's just really nice to spend the day like that," Chad answered. "Our other fundraisers are really great, but this one is different because we get to spend all day with really nice people."
I agree.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Thankful Thursday
Today is a toughie.
In light of the last week, after learning of loss after loss after loss after loss in my circle, it's tough typing here today encouraging thankfulness when human consciousness stalls to transform grief into gratitude.
Days draw closer to April.
I sigh a lot.
So today I will be thankful for the ultimate. No matter what suffering prevails, no matter how empty our arms, our wallets, our spirit, this is not the end. I am ever so thankful for The Promise that makes that previous sentence so. I am thankful for hope, not just for what's around the corner, but for the effervescent bubbles of tiny lights that live alongside loss, confusion, pain ... because the story is not done being written.
Because you're still here.
Because what we know as toughest good-byes here are the happiest hellos up there.
Because it's not that long until we're all together again.
What are you thankful for today?
In light of the last week, after learning of loss after loss after loss after loss in my circle, it's tough typing here today encouraging thankfulness when human consciousness stalls to transform grief into gratitude.
Days draw closer to April.
I sigh a lot.
So today I will be thankful for the ultimate. No matter what suffering prevails, no matter how empty our arms, our wallets, our spirit, this is not the end. I am ever so thankful for The Promise that makes that previous sentence so. I am thankful for hope, not just for what's around the corner, but for the effervescent bubbles of tiny lights that live alongside loss, confusion, pain ... because the story is not done being written.
Because you're still here.
Because what we know as toughest good-byes here are the happiest hellos up there.
Because it's not that long until we're all together again.
What are you thankful for today?
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
2 reminders.
One. If you have a little donation to give the Easter Bunny & Eggbert, they would really like it by Friday, March 26. This allows our very generous springtime duo to sort, organize and purchase any missing items for their trip scheduled on the following Friday, Good Friday, April 2.
You have no idea how cosmically, divinely delighted I am to see this much good being done on Good Friday. Fantastic, isn't it?
Two. Please pray for Kate McRae today. She's going in for a very important MRI, the MRI that will let us all know if the incredible procedures and the chemo plan have done anything to heal her. Remember, she is battling the same aggressive tumor that Kyrie fought. We really need this protocol to work, to show some sign of positive achievement in her little body. We know how physically sickening it is to wait and wonder and hope and wish and pray for some good news, some progress.
An excerpt from her CaringBridge site written by Kate's mother:
You have no idea how cosmically, divinely delighted I am to see this much good being done on Good Friday. Fantastic, isn't it?
Two. Please pray for Kate McRae today. She's going in for a very important MRI, the MRI that will let us all know if the incredible procedures and the chemo plan have done anything to heal her. Remember, she is battling the same aggressive tumor that Kyrie fought. We really need this protocol to work, to show some sign of positive achievement in her little body. We know how physically sickening it is to wait and wonder and hope and wish and pray for some good news, some progress.
An excerpt from her CaringBridge site written by Kate's mother:
I tried writing and it won't come. So we simply ask for your prayers tonight and tomorrow as Kate goes in for her MRI and we await the results. Our hearts are very burdened tonight. We so desperately want to see our sweet Kate grow up. Please be praying for amazing results. Please also be praying for our protection for our hearts and minds as a million thoughts and emotions try to weave their way in. Thank you for your continued prayers during this difficult season of life.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Connections.
A big, warm, thankful hug to all of you who were able to tune in to see our little 3-minute blip on KAKE's midday news show. It's a very difficult to task to succinctly say all that this foundation means, all that we are doing in 180 seconds.
Lacie & I were both a bit nervous, not because of the television cameras, but because we wanted to get it right. It is a constant struggle to build and grow and get the word out amidst a billiongajillion distractions in our lives. With every three minutes like this, we have the opportunity to engage someone, to connect, to inspire, to encourage. We never know when or why or who may decide to walk alongside us to help make a difference. This could be one of those divine connections.
Originally, our friend Brittany had put us in contact with Jemelle Holopirek as a way to help promote the scrapbooking fundraiser in two weeks. However, since nearly full up for the krop (thank you!!!!), we had the opportunity to simply talk about how we started and what's around the corner.
Though we supplied and anticipated the photos of Kyrie that ran under Lacie's answers to Mike Iuen, the images struck us anew. I view these photos nearly every day, but somehow seeing Kyrie's face on the screen, knowing that people would see her face for the very first time, images that I see on the insides of my eyelids every night, knowing that these are all the photos that we'll every have no matter how many times KAKE invites us back, well, it brought newness to old feelings. For a moment, I could have sworn she was here again. Saying and broadcasting her name, an utterance that seemed like a mid-air raindrop quickly seeking for its earthly home, made her here again. Maybe it's just my feelings playing tricks on my mind. Maybe it's just this time of year. Maybe it's just the pink tulips that have sprouted in her garden. Everything, her memory, what we're doing to save these children, shows up on the page in technicolor vibrancy right now for me.
And this happens to coincide with the making of another new angel. Four-year-old Sicily Zeka has been in my prayers for quite awhile after learning of her battle with kidney cancer. She arrived in heaven this weekend, and although I am crushed to learn that this, again, was God's will, I am inspired by the way her family accompanied her in this passing. Please read her mother's entry today. It so reminds me of another mommy & daddy we know here.
Lacie & I were both a bit nervous, not because of the television cameras, but because we wanted to get it right. It is a constant struggle to build and grow and get the word out amidst a billiongajillion distractions in our lives. With every three minutes like this, we have the opportunity to engage someone, to connect, to inspire, to encourage. We never know when or why or who may decide to walk alongside us to help make a difference. This could be one of those divine connections.
Originally, our friend Brittany had put us in contact with Jemelle Holopirek as a way to help promote the scrapbooking fundraiser in two weeks. However, since nearly full up for the krop (thank you!!!!), we had the opportunity to simply talk about how we started and what's around the corner.
Though we supplied and anticipated the photos of Kyrie that ran under Lacie's answers to Mike Iuen, the images struck us anew. I view these photos nearly every day, but somehow seeing Kyrie's face on the screen, knowing that people would see her face for the very first time, images that I see on the insides of my eyelids every night, knowing that these are all the photos that we'll every have no matter how many times KAKE invites us back, well, it brought newness to old feelings. For a moment, I could have sworn she was here again. Saying and broadcasting her name, an utterance that seemed like a mid-air raindrop quickly seeking for its earthly home, made her here again. Maybe it's just my feelings playing tricks on my mind. Maybe it's just this time of year. Maybe it's just the pink tulips that have sprouted in her garden. Everything, her memory, what we're doing to save these children, shows up on the page in technicolor vibrancy right now for me.
And this happens to coincide with the making of another new angel. Four-year-old Sicily Zeka has been in my prayers for quite awhile after learning of her battle with kidney cancer. She arrived in heaven this weekend, and although I am crushed to learn that this, again, was God's will, I am inspired by the way her family accompanied her in this passing. Please read her mother's entry today. It so reminds me of another mommy & daddy we know here.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
The Kyrie Foundation on KAKE-TV
Hey, KAKEland viewers! The Kyrie Foundation is scheduled to be on the midday show with Jemelle Holopirek on Monday, March 22. Hope you have a chance to tune around 11:15-11:30 a.m. !!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, March 19, 2010
If you're out this weekend ...
If you're out shopping this weekend or if you happen to be paying bills, it sure would be nice to consider sending something to the Easter Bunny & Eggbert.
I have a little sumpin' to put in the post barring the blizzard that is purportedly on its way. Maybe you have a restaurant gift card that you know you won't use or maybe there's a new pack of markers in the closet waiting for your child who already has a set open. It all makes a difference when it's put to use like this.
And ... remember our dear sister organization in Holland, Michigan, Kyrie's Gift? The mission of Kyrie's Gift is to deliver coloring books and crayons to bring some amount of joy and normalcy to children in hospitals. Marjorie, the founder and all-round nice person extraordinaire, was inspired by the photo of Kyrie and Lacie coloring on the hospital floor in our very first post here on Kyrie's blog. Kyrie's Gift has done spreading goodness through this effort. And now ... Kyrie's Gift is a part of the Easter Bunny's visit, too. They have generously given hundreds of coloring books and crayon sets. Isn't that so beautiful? I just love this divine connection.
So remember the Easter Bunny needs all donations by FRIDAY, MARCH 26.
Cash - Toys - Books - Craft kits - Games - $10.00 McDonald's gift cards - Teen items
Please send to:
Susan Jae Eckel
3738 S. Dugan
Wichita, KS 67215
I have a little sumpin' to put in the post barring the blizzard that is purportedly on its way. Maybe you have a restaurant gift card that you know you won't use or maybe there's a new pack of markers in the closet waiting for your child who already has a set open. It all makes a difference when it's put to use like this.
And ... remember our dear sister organization in Holland, Michigan, Kyrie's Gift? The mission of Kyrie's Gift is to deliver coloring books and crayons to bring some amount of joy and normalcy to children in hospitals. Marjorie, the founder and all-round nice person extraordinaire, was inspired by the photo of Kyrie and Lacie coloring on the hospital floor in our very first post here on Kyrie's blog. Kyrie's Gift has done spreading goodness through this effort. And now ... Kyrie's Gift is a part of the Easter Bunny's visit, too. They have generously given hundreds of coloring books and crayon sets. Isn't that so beautiful? I just love this divine connection.
So remember the Easter Bunny needs all donations by FRIDAY, MARCH 26.
Cash - Toys - Books - Craft kits - Games - $10.00 McDonald's gift cards - Teen items
Please send to:
Susan Jae Eckel
3738 S. Dugan
Wichita, KS 67215
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Update on Edouard
From Jill:
Please remember this little guy in your prayers. He and his family are embarking on a journey familiar to us here. Jordan & Lacie have traveled this road. Kate McRae's family, too. Anna's family. Ethan's family. Taya's family. This family, too, will need to meet people like you to help get them through this. I've often said that we would not be where we are today with you--I mean you, there, reading, right now. You matter. Your prayers matter.
Here is the most recent email from my brother in law. Keep in mind that he is French, therefore sometimes uses broken English.
Bad news. Test results came out today.
Edouard tumor is cancerous. Which means he gonna need chemo treatement for the next 2 months minimum before they can operate. Plus 4 months after that for precautionay measure.
Monster blow after he walk and talk fine for the first time yesterday.
Please remember this little guy in your prayers. He and his family are embarking on a journey familiar to us here. Jordan & Lacie have traveled this road. Kate McRae's family, too. Anna's family. Ethan's family. Taya's family. This family, too, will need to meet people like you to help get them through this. I've often said that we would not be where we are today with you--I mean you, there, reading, right now. You matter. Your prayers matter.
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